Programmable-Air: Arduino-based Open Source Portable Pneumatic Kit

By on May 28, 2019
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The Programmable-Air is a hardware toolkit that allows you to inflate and deflate objects, combinig everything you need for simple air power experimentation into one package. It is available to purchase via the Crowd Supply website with kits available from $150.

Since the project is open source hardware, you’ll find the EAGLE schematics and PCB layout, components datasheets, CAD files, and Arduino source code on Github.

Pneumatics opens up a world of possibilities for a maker to explore:

– Make a vacuum pick and place machine
– Blow up a balloon and have it’s size represent data
– Make a soft robot walk
– Use a syringe as a linear actuator

Programmable-Air specifications:

  • MCU Board – Arduino Nano baord nased on Microchip ATMega328P microcontroller
  • Pneumatics – Full channel control, i.e. high pressure through atmospheric pressure to vacuum output in the same tube.
    • Max pressure – 0.5 atmosphere (7.5 PSI / 50 kPa)
    • Min Pressure – -0.5 atmosphere (-7.5 PSI / -50 kPa)
    • Flow rate: 2 liters per minute per motor
  • Expansion
    • Grove I²C connector to easily add sensors (Not shown in prototype photo above)
    • Expandable for adding valves/sensors
  • Power Supply – 12 V/1.2 A from a barrel jack
  • Open source hardware certification – #US000153

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